I am making good progress with my Birdie Stitches project, and have completed the second block. This is the block for February--Kissing Birds. (Sounds like "Kicking Bird" from Dances With Wolves).
The stitching with fewer strands of thread (the flowers, stems and floating hearts) are definitely more forgiving than the thicker six strand stitching for the birdies themselves. I like the strong outline the six strands give, but the stitching with three strands just seems more refined somehow. After another block or so, when I get more practice, I will show you all what the back looks like.
Am I ever being brave--it is like when Kirstie Alley wore a bikini on the Oprah show. lol I will be setting myself up for all sorts of comments like old Kirstie got. "No WAY is she 150 pounds". "Look at the cellulite, will ya'". "What is she THINKING, going out in public like that?" What is the embroidery equivalent of that? "Oh my. Look at those lumpy stitching lines". "Doesn't look like she can sew straight to save her life". No, I know you all are kinder than that!!
I am learning all sorts of embroidery lingo. "Traveling". That is when you jump your needle across your stitchery and leave a big line of thread on the underside that is visable through the top of the finished project. A big no-no. "Orts". Those teensy snipped threads that pile up next to your sewing chair. Or if you are like me, they pile up on the arm of the couch, on the floor where I am sitting, on the end table...
Busy week, this week. I am finding myself quite on the go. And man, is it ever slow going with 90 year Grandpa in tow! He is a good sport though, as long as I keep him in snacks and newspapers to read. He also likes to stop now and then and buy me lunch!
Don't be too hard on yourself - I think your stitching looks great! Some of the elements are so tiny, I would want to use less than 6 strands for those, too. I haven't done any serious embroidery in YEARS, but this is so adorable I'm almost tempted! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Angie | January 18, 2012 at 05:06 AM
I actually started this project last year when I first saw it but with my health problems I put it aside but seeing it again, I may re-start it. I got as far as making all the squares to embroider and stitching the snowman and that's where I stopped. But Mass General Hospital seems to be getting a handle on my health so it may be time to complete this. Thanks for the inspiration.
One question, do you have any kind of interfacing behind the white to prevent any thread show through? I am using Kona snow and I'm afraid of stray threads showing.
Posted by: Chris | January 18, 2012 at 05:18 AM
This is so cute Nicole! Can't wait to see how it looks all finished up. I bet Grandpa is having a GREAT time with you!!!
Posted by: Helen in Switzerland | January 18, 2012 at 05:53 AM
This is such a charming block and your embroidery stitches look great! Your choice of border fabrics will make this such a happy quilt it will be a delight to behold.
I know what you mean about being slowed by an elderly beloved family member. When AMIL was huffing and puffing before her heart arrhythmia and asthma were discovered, I often asked store employees for a chair for her. Most were kindly helpful and quickly got a chair for her. She sometimes used a Rollator walker that has the built-on seat and that was very handy.
You've made me want to get cracking on everything except the projects in front of me!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | January 18, 2012 at 06:07 AM
It is really beautiful.
Posted by: Dresden Quilter | January 18, 2012 at 06:08 AM
A fun thing to do with orts is to get a clear ornament & then put all the orts in it as you go. Once the ornament is full it is very colorful (and if shaken it becomes like a kalidescope by changing).
No, I haven't made one myself yet; but I have seen some in craft magazines and thought they were cute.
Posted by: Sherry V. | January 18, 2012 at 06:14 AM
It's a different life with a parent in tow, isn't it? Payback for them for when we were children and dawdled, I guess. My parents at least, are good sports - not fussy like a two-year old.
Your stitching looks great! As for the back...what we don't know won't hurt us.
Posted by: Diane | January 18, 2012 at 06:35 AM
tweet tweet they are so cute. good luck with your errands. Enjoy lunch with FIL
Posted by: Lee | January 18, 2012 at 06:48 AM
Hi Nicole! You might try Perle Cotton #8 for the birdies. It's thick and only one strand. I much prefer fewer strands and probably would do the birds that way too! Good luck with your project.
Posted by: Connie | January 18, 2012 at 08:56 AM
Your birdies are looking great! Have you ever tried Pellon SF101 ironed to the back of your fabric? It gives enough stability that you don't need to use a hoop, and hides those traveling threads. It is very lightweight and popular here in my embroidery circle.
Posted by: Jeanne | January 18, 2012 at 09:21 AM
Looking good, Nicole. I'm wondering if I should start this.....
Posted by: Elaine S. | January 18, 2012 at 02:29 PM
Can you get weaveline in U.S.?Very good for
backing embroidery,very fine.Available here
in Australia.Your stitching looks lovely,the main thing is to enjoy it!
Regards Coralie.(no blog,but love yours)
Posted by: Coralie | January 18, 2012 at 04:50 PM
Orts...I knew that word meant scraps (crosswords) but never thought of threads; I always thought of orts as scraps of food.
How sweet of you to be so patient with your f-i-l. Your children and their spouses are watching how you do this thing and your patience and care will be duly noted.
And the birdie stitcheries are really cute.
Posted by: Christine Thomas | January 18, 2012 at 06:03 PM
TOO CUTE!
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | January 19, 2012 at 07:45 AM